African Union Suspends Madagascar

The African Union has suspended Madacasgar from the organization due to a violent overthrow of the government by the military and some civilian leaders. The new government insisted there had been no coup, but the AU said the new government had assumed power through an unconstitutional manner. The AU wants the current Madacasgar government to end its overthrow of the constitutionally elected head and hold free elections. Most outside groups insist a combination of street protests and use of armed forces led to the establishment of a new government.

The African Union stand on Madacasgar is interesting in light of the illegal election held last year in Zimbabwe by President Mugabe after he lost a legal one. The AU has never mentioned anything about the illegality of Mugabe’s actions no doubt due to the fact he is a friend and former colleague of most AU leaders. If the same standard that is being applied to Madacasgar was applied to Zimbabwe, Morgan Tsvangirai would be president of his nation and there would not be any cholera in the country. Isn’t it about time the AU had one standard for all nations?